Screw-making machine.



'PATENTED JULY 19, 1904. A. M. STILLMAN. SCREW MAKING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION FILED APR. 10, 1903.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

N0 MODEL.

' PATENTED JULY 19, 1904.

A. M. STILLMAN. SCREW MAKING MACHINE.

APPLIGATION FILED APR.10, 1903.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

w ki g h I72 7/672 251% yams We? 2772771072. 73-32% No. 765,327.PATENTED JULY 19, 1904. A. M. STILLMAN.

SCREW MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 10, 1903. N0 MODEL.

5 SHEETSSHEBT 3.

PATENTED JULY 19, 1904.

A. M. STILLMAN. SCREW MAKING MACHINE.

APPLIGATIOR FILED APR.10|'1903.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

N0 MODEL.

No. 765,327. PATENTED JULY 19, 1904.

A; M, STILLMAN.

SCREW MAKING MACHINE.

APPLIUATION IIL ED APR. 10, 1903. H0 MODEL. 5 SHEETS-MUST 5,

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UNITED STATES Patented July 19, 1904.

AUGUSTUS M. STILLMAN, OF BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT.

SCREW-MAKING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 765,327, dated July 19,1904.

Application filed .ipril 10, 1903.

'a reel of wire.

Another object is to provide eiiicacious threading means, which object Igain by providing a plurality of threading-dies, one to take a roughingcut and the other to take a finishing cut, and I also form the dies withmore efiective cutting edges than usual.

Another object is to adapt the machine for threading single rods whendesired, as well as for cutting the threaded rods into lengths.

Other objects will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings forming part of this specification, Figure 1 is anelevation of the lefthand portion, and Fig. 2 an elevation of theright-hand portion, of a machine made in accordance with myimprovements. Fig. 3 is a plan of the portion seen at Fig. 1. Fig. 4 isa plan of the portion seen at Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is an enlarged endelevation of a cutting-off tool and a rotary holder whereon it ismounted. Fig. 6 is a sectional perspective of a Wirestraightener. Fig. 7is a sectional perspective view illustrating a detachable auxiliaryfeeding-nut mounted upon the main spindle of themachine. Fig. 8 is alongitudinal section illustrating a method of mounting said auxiliaryfeedingnut. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of astock-gripping mechanism which prevents the stock from turning whilebeing threaded by the rotating dies. Fig. 10 is a cross-section taken atabout the line :20 m of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating themanner in which an adjustable tappet connected to the stock-grippingmechan,

ism is enabled to operate and release a rod which controls thecutting-off tool seen at Fig.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged end v1ew of a rough- Serial No. 151,955. (Nomodel.)

ing-die. Fig. 13 is a longitudinal section thereof. Fig. 14 is aperspective illustrating the method of mounting and operating theadjustable tappets which control the cutting-0E tool. Fig. 15illustrates the manner in which the tandem dies shown at Fig. 1cooperate, and Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the successive cuts made bythe two dies. Fig. 17 shows a modification. Fig. 18 is a front view ofthe clutching mechanism at the rear end of the machine. Fig. 19 is aface view of the plate to actuate the same. Fig. 20 is a central sectionof the rear clutching mechanism. Fig. 21 is a central longitudinalsection of a cutting-off mechanism of the form of machine shown inFig. 1. Fig. 22 is a side view, partly in longitudinal section, Fig. 23a crosssection, and Fig. 24 a perspective view, of a detail of thecutting-off device of the form of machine shown in Fig. 17.

In the several views like signs denote like parts. A

The main framing of the machine comprises a bed 1 and legs 2. A spindle3 is mounted upon standards 4, 5, and 6 and carries between thestandards 4 and 5 fast and loose pulleys 7 and 8: The portion of thespindle between the standards 5 and 6 consists of a dieholder 9, inwhich are secured by fasteners 10 and 11 a roughing-die 12 and afinishingdie 13, whereby is threaded the wire or stock 14, the latterpassing entirely through the spindle, which is hollow.

The wire 14 may be drawn from a reel 15, which is supported upon a reel16 by gudgeons 17 the reel-holder being secured upon the right-hand endof the bed 1 of the machine. From said reel the wire is led throughguide-rollers 18 to a wire-straightener 19, Which is mounted, by meansof hollow gudgeons 20, through which the wire passes, upon arms orstandards 21 and 22. The straightener is operated by a pulley 23 and abelt 24 independently of the spindle 3 and preferably comprises a seriesof inwardlyprojecting hickory spurs 25, secured at their outer ends tothe framing of the wire-straightener and engaging the wire at theirinner ends.

When it is desired to thread short wires or rods, the bolt 26 may beunscrewed, the caps 27, which confine the straightener-gudgeons 20, maybe removed, and the wire-straightener taken off.

Between the wire-straightener and the dies the wire is held againstrotation by means of a circulating series of grippers 28, mounted uponachain 29, which runs over guide-wheels and 31. The grippers upon theupper reach of the chain grip the wire when they rise upon the wheel 31and release the same just before they begin to run down over the wheel30.

Each of the series of gripping devices preferably comprises across-block 32, secured by a screw 33, Fig. 10, to one of the solidlinks 34 of the chain. Said cross-block is recessed at 35 to fit uponhorizontal guiding-rails 36 and 37, which extend between theguide-wheels 30 and 31 and parallel with the run of the wire 14, wherebysaid block is guided during the wire-gripping portion of its travel.Preferably the ends of the rails are beveled, as at 38, Fig. 9, tofacilitate receiving the guideblocks. tegral brackets 39, secured bybolts 40 upon the bed 1 of the machine, and are also pro vided withbearings for, the axles 41 of the chain-guiding wheels 30 and 31. Uponeach guide-block is pivoted at 42 and 43 a pair of wire-grippers, whichare designated, respec tively, as 44 and 45, and upon these grippers areformed operating-arms 46 and 47, respectively, which are preferablyprovided .with rolls 48, adapted to run upon the rails 36 and 37, andthereby clamp the grippers upon the wire. As the grippers runup over theforward guiding-wheel 31 the rolls 48 rise up over inclines 49, providedupon the front ends of the rails 36 and 37, thereby lifting the-arms tothe full-line position, Fig. 10, and causing the grippers to bite thewire. WVhen the rolls run off the rear ends of the rails, the bite ofthe grippers upon the wire is relieved and the arms may fall by gravityto the dottedline positions. Thus as the grippers are pulled along bythe wire they are automatically released from and reengaged therewith,there being always a sufficient number of grippers biting the wire toenable the latter to drive the chain positively and forcibly effeet thebiting operation of each successive pair of grippers as it rides toreengage the wire. The blocks 32 may be vertically slotted at32 toreceive the gripping-jaws and their operating-arms By having the wire 14run nearly upon a level with the topsof the rails 36 and 37, asillustrated, a true movement of the gripping mechanism is insured and aliability of binding the guide-blocks 32 upon the rails is avoided.

A grooved wheel 50 is mounted upon a bracket 51, secured upon the frontends of rails 36 and 37, for guiding the wire between thewire-straightener and the gripping mechanism and serving to prevent thewire from Said rails may be supported by in' jumping as it is engaged byone after another of the grippers.

The end of the axle 41 of the rear chainguiding wheel 30 may be squared,as at 52, to receive a key 53, whereby the wheel may be rotated by'handto facilitate leading the end of the wire through the gripping mechanismbefore it is introduced into the threading and feeding dies 12 and 13. t

A wire-gripping mechanism is also provided in rear of the dies andcomprises a slide 54, mounted upon a guide 55, provided upon the bed 1and having opposing clamping-jaws 56 and 57 (see Figs. 18 to 20) movableradially opened, said means comprising a pin 59 on each jaw, which islocated in position to be acted upon by cam-surfaces 60, provided uponan actuator 61. This actuator is mounted for rotationupon the slide 54,and the cam-surfaces 60 are so formed that such rotation causes theclamp-jaws 56 to close upon the threaded. wire or stock 58. Anoperatingpin 62 is secured to the face of the actuator 61. Alocking-disk 63 is secured upon the end of the spindle 3 and carries apin 64, adapted to engage the pin 62 to rotate the actuator 61. The pins62 and 64 are eccentrically movable with respect one to the other, theactuator 61 being preferably eccentric to the spindle 3. NVhen the pin64 is in the uppermost position, as at Fig. 1, it engages the pin 62;but before the parts complete a single rotation the pin 62 escapesfromthe pin 64. At this time the clamp-jaws 56 and 57 are driven insufficiently to bite the threaded stock 58 and hold the same againstrotation. The locking-disk 63 is splinedi to the spindle .3, and acompression-spring 65 tends to force the disk to the outer limit of itsplay. A latch 66, pivoted at 67 to the-standard 4, engages the disk 63to hold it in its innermost or dormant position. For operating the latchto release said disk a cam 68 is mounted upon an endwise-movable. rod69, so that when the rod is moved rearwardly, or to the left in Fig. 1,said latch is forced to turn down about the pivot 67 and releases thedisk .63, so that the spring 65 may force it back and enable the pin 64to operate the pin 62. The rod 69 is connected at its right-hand end,Fig. 2, with the depending arm 70 of a lever which is pivoted at 71 uponthe frameworkand hasa rearwardly-extending arm'72,- carrying aninwardly-projecting finger 73. The latter is pressed against theunthreaded wire or stock 14 at a point close to the bearing-wheel 50,the pressure being effected by means of a drawspring 75, caught in thelever-arm 70. It will be seen that until the stock 14 is exhausted thelever and hence the releasing-rod 69, are prevented from moving torelease the latch 66; but when the end of the stock feeds past andreleases said lever or the finger 73 thereon the spring 75 is enabled tovibrate the lever, and thereby thrust the rod 69 to the left. The cam 68on the rod operates the latch 66, and through the described mechanismthe devices 56 and 57 are caused to bite the stock before the latter isreleased from the advance gripping devices 28, and as the stock feedsalong it drives the slide 54 along the way 55, the latter havingsufficient length to permit the remainder of the stock to feed entirelythrough the dies.

The mechanism so far described is adapted for straightening andthreading a reel of wire or for simply threading rods without performingany operation upon the threaded stock. In order, however, to enablescrews of predetermined lengths to be made directly from the stock whendesired, I mount upon a bracket 76 (which is preferably secureddetachably upon the bed 1 at its left-handend) a spindle 77, carrying asleeve 78, which is splined thereto at 79, and also has a pulley 80,which may be driven by a belt 81 independently of the means foroperating the die-spindle 3. Fixed upon the spindle 77 is a collar 82,upon which is pivoted at 83 a lever of the first order, consisting of aforwardly-projecting arm 84, having at its front end an operating-cam85, overhanging the rearwardlyprojecting arm 86, (see Fig. 21,) which isadapted to operate a cutting-off tool 87. The cam 85 of the lever isadapted to ride up over a cam 88, pivoted at 89 upon the splined sleeve78. It will be seen that when the sleeve 78 is moved to the left at Fig.1 the cam 88 liftsthe forward end 84 of the lever and depresses the rearend 86 thereof, thereby driving in thecutting-oif tool 87. The latter ismounted upon a collar 90, which is formed upon the end of an arm 91,projecting from the sleeve 78 and rigid therewith. The collar 90 isprovided with a central guiding-bushing 92 for the threaded stock 58,and the tool 87 is provided with a radially-sliding shank 93, working inguides 94, Fig. 5, and is also provided with a compression-spring 96'forreturning the tool to dormant position after operation. Thus it will beseen that by'moving the sleeve 78 to the left the cam-lever 84 86 isoperated and the tool 87 is driven in to cut off the wire, said tool ofcourse revolving with the spindle 77. It will be understood that thismovement of the sleeve 78 and collar 90 thereon may be timedtocorrespond substantially with the feeding movement of the stock, so asto enable the tool to operate satisfactorily.

For eflecting intermittent operation of the sleeve 78 and its connectedparts I groove the sleeve at 97 and mount a lever 98 at 99 upon theframework, Fig. 3, said lever having forks 100, provided with pins 101,engaging said groove, so that by vibrating the lever the desiredmovement of the sleeve may be produced. To the lever is pivoted at 102an operating-rod 103, which extends forward and terminates at 104 inposition to be engaged by a succession of tappets 105, which areadjustably mounted upon awheel 106. Said wheel is fixed upon the rearchain-wheel axle 41 at a point outside of the gripper-guiding rail, asseen at Figs. 3 and 14. As the wheel rotates each tappet strikes againstthe end of the rod and forces the same along until by reason of thesinking movement of the tappet it becomes disengaged from the rod, asseen at Fig. 11. By this time a length of the threaded wire has been cutoff by the tool 87, which is controlled by said rod, and the rod, lever,and sleeve are returned to dormant position by a compression-spring 107,which works between a collar 108 of the rod, Fig. 3, and a fixed bearing109, in which the rod itself works. The tool is returned to dormantposition by the spring 96. During the return movement of the parts thecam upon the forward end ofthe leverarm 84 slips back under the cam 88on the sleeve, the pivotal mounting of the latter at 89 permitting thesame to rise sufficiently for the purpose. P

The tappets may be adjusted at any desired intervals around the rim ofthe wheel 106, and it will be understood that the speed of movement ofthetappet slightly exceeds that of the chain of grippers, whereby thepins 101 on the lever 98 (which is of the second order) are caused toadvance the sleeve 78 at a speed about equal to the feeding movement ofthe stock 58.

I prefer to use in connection with the dies 12 and 13, each of whichboth threads and feeds the work, an auxiliary feeding means consistingof a divided nut, the portions whereof are marked 110 and 111, saidportions being adapted to work in sockets 112 and 113, formed in aboss114 upon the spindle 3. These nut portions may be set toward each otherby means of screws 115, which enter screw-holes partly in the boss 114and partly in the sides of the nut portions, the portion in the bossbeing threaded and the portion in the nuts being plain, with shoulders116 to receive the ends of said screws. The threaded portions 117 of thenut agree with the dies 12 and 13, and it will be understood that nutsof different pitch or diameter may be used in connection with differentdies.

For some kinds of work one die alone may be used. When necessary, theauxiliary feeding-nut just described may be used in con unctiontherewith, the auxiliary feeding means being important largely becauseof the drag upon the stock or work as it is fed along by the threadingand feeding means, such drag being caused by the gripping and otherdevices which are operated by the stock. It will be seen that the wireoperates both. of the gripping mechanisms and also controls themechanism that operates the cutting-off tool, besides which it is calledupon to pull the wire through the straightener, if the latter is used,and it is to be understood that in order to thread the rod cheaply thework must be done at high speed and that without something more than asingle die this result would be impracticable. Both the steady pull andthe sudden jerks which come upon the wire or stock tend to cause the dieto act erratically thereon. By the provision of the auxiliaryfeeding-nut one die alone may be successfully usedin many instances; butwhen cutting deep or large threadsor when cutting a threaded rod intolengths it is desirable to use both dies, together with the auxiliaryfeeding-nut, so as to insure an even product.

At Fig. 15 it will be seen that the roughing-die 12 removes morematerial from the stock 14 than is left to be removed by thefinishing-die 13, this difference being indicated diagrammatically atFig. 16, in which the depth of the roughing cut is indicated at 118 andthat of the finishing cut at 119. The roughing-die thustakes off morethan half of the material which comes off from the stock at thethreading operation. It will be understood that the stock is of fullstrength as it enters the roughing-die, and hence the latter may take amore substantial cut than the finishing-die without liability oftwisting off the stock. The latter enters the finishing-die after it hasbeen more or less weakened by the cut made by the roughingdie, as willbe understood. It will also be understood that it would be impracticablefor a single die,

unassisted, to cut a lag-screw thread-such as that illustrated at 58,Fig. 15-at manufacturing speed, especially when there is considerablework for the stock to do as it is drawn through the die, the resistanceoffered bythe work tending to cause the die to act erratically, not tomention the unavoidable choking of the die by the great amount ofmaterial which is separated from the stock.

In Fig. 12 the cutting side of the die is indicated by 120, and for someclasses of work and material such a general formation of die may befound to produce better results than a die having the usual face, whichis represented by the dotted line 121.

Referring now to Fig. 17, in this form of my machine the slide 54 andother portions of the rear gripping mechanism heretofore described areomitted, the spindle 3 being provided at its forward end with a threadedboss 3 for receiving the die-holder 9 and having a single fast pulley 8between the standards 4 and 5 and terminating at 122, the hollow thereofbeing indicated by dotted lines 123. The rotatory portion of thecutting-off mechanism is supported upon a plate 124, secured by screws125 to the rear vertical face of the standard 4. Into said plate isscrewed at 126 the threaded end of a fixed axle or spindle 127, which ishollowed, as at 128, and extends in line with the live-spindle 3. Uponsaid axleI mount the high-speed driving-pulley 80, which is fast to thesleeve 78 and arranged at the end thereof, the pulley and sleeve beingconnected by a reduced cylindrical portion 129 and being preferablyintegral. The tool-carrying collar or ring is secured to the end of thesleeve 78 by two headed screw-studs 130, of which one is seen at Fig.17, the tips of said studs being threaded at 131 into said sleeve 78 andtheir heads being threaded at 132 into said collar 90. The shanks ofsaid studs pass loosely through the intermediate collar 82, whichcarries the lever 85 86; The cutting-off tool 87 is adjustably supportedby screws 133 upon an angular piece 134,formed upon the radially-slidingmember 93. The fixed axle 127 terminates in a threaded portion 135, uponwhich is threaded a nut 136', bearing against a shoulder on the end ofsaid axle 127, so as to retain thereon the levercarrying collar 82.

The lever-arm 85 may in practice be provided with a roller 138 forriding up over the cam 88, and the latter is provided with areturning-spring 139. The effect of moving the sleeve 78 to the left isto drive the cam 88 between the roller 138 and the sleeve, so as tovibrate the lever until said roller drops over the rear edge 140 of thecam. Upon the return movement of the sleeve said roller, working on therear inclined face 141 of the cam, forces the same up and then runsunder the same, the cam upon escaping from said roller being forced downby the spring 139.

The operating-rod 103, which may be suitably supported in guides 142 orotherwise, is in this instance provided with a spur 143, which lies in agroove 144, formed between the pulley 80 and the sleeve 78, so as toreciprocate said pulley and sleeve along the axle 127. Said spur 143 maybe forked,so as to have sufficient bearing-surface in engagement withthe groove 144. The rod 103 may be returned to normal position by acompression-spring 145,working between the rear end of said rod 103 anda lug 146, formed upon the bed 1, said spring being preferably coiledabout a stud 147, which is secured to said lug and enters a perforation148, formed in the end of the rod 103, whereby it may guide the same.

I prefer also to provide means close to the cutting-off tool forgripping or holding against torsional movement the threaded stock duringthe cutting-off operation, so as to insure the making of a satisfactorycut, and at said Fig. 17 one form of such gripping means is shown. Thisconsists of a split or otherwise compressible bushing 149, having anunthreaded bore fitting closely upon the threaded wire, said bushingbeing rectangular or noncircular in contour and fitting in alongitudinal slot 150, cut in the left-hand portion of the fixed axle127, said slot guidingsaid bushing and also preventing rotation thereof.Such bushing may be provided with interchangeable dies 200, if desired,in practice. In order to enable the bushing to travel with theconstantly-feeding wire, I connect it by a screw 151 to an annular head152, which is fitted inan annular recess or cup 153, formed in theleft-hand end of the sleeve 78. An annular plate 154, which is securedby means of shoulders 155,'formed on the screw-studs against theleft-hand face of said sleeve 78, confines said annular head 152, saidplate 154 fitting upon the axle 127, so that said head 152 is preventedfrom moving independently of the sleeve along the arbor 127, but doesnot interfere with the rotation of said sleeve. By means of said head152 the gripper 149 is re ciprocated along in the slot or slots 150.Said dies 200 are tightened by a screw 156, which for this purpose isprovided with atappet-arm 157, which engages a dog 158, pivoted at 159upon a bracket 160, secured by a screw 161 to a flange 162, providedupon the front face of the lever-collar 82. Said dog 158 is providedwith a returning-spring 163 and a stop 164. As the gripper 149 moves tothe left during the operation of the cutting-off mechanism said tappet157 contacts with the dog 158 and is thereby vibrated to the right, soas to drive the screw 156,and thereby tighten the gripper upon thethreaded stoclnthis operation being substantial] y completed by the timethe tool 87 begins cutting, a dead space being left for this purposebetween the roller of lever 138 and the cam 88, as will be observed.

In order to release the gripper 149, so as to avoid cramping the returnmovement of the cutting-off mechanism, I provide upon said screw adepending tappet 165, which during the leftward movement of the grippercontacts with a fixed stop 166, whereby the tappet-arms are vibratedtoan upright or dormant position, thereby releasing the stock from thebite of the gripper 149, and upon the return of the movement of thesleeve to the right the tappet 157 may push the dog 158 to one side, thelatter being pivoted forthis purpose. The stop 166 is preferably in theform of a screw, whereby it may be adjusted to operate the tappet-arm165 at different points.

I prefer to connect the forward end 104 to the main portion of the rod103 by means of a threaded sleeve-coupling 167, provided with one ormore locking-nuts 168, so that the tip of said rod may be adjusted todifferent points in the path of the tappets 105, which all release therod at the same point, but which need to be in engagement with the rodfor a longer or shorter period of travel when cutting 06? stock oflarger or smaller diameter.

Still other variations may be resorted to within the scope of myinvention, and parts of my improvements may be used without others.

Having thus described my invention, I claim 1. In a wire-threadingmachine, the combination with a die and rotating means; of aseries ofwire-gripping devices each comprising a pair of opposing jaws, means tocarry said series of gripping devices and to place them in sequence attheir effective positions, and means to close each gripping device uponits reaching the gripping position and to open the same prior to itsleaving the working position.

2. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with adie and rotatingmeans, of an endless chain of grippers for holding the wire, and meansfor guiding the chain.

3. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of an endless chain of grippers for holding the wire, and meansfor guiding the chain; each gripper comprising a pair of opposing jaws,and also having means for operating said jaws.

4. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of a series of wire-gripping devices, each having a pair ofmovable gripping-jaws, means upon said jaws whereby they may be closed,and a stationary member mounted in the path of said closing means, foroperating them to close the jaws.

5. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of a series of wire-gripping devices each having a pair ofpivoted gripping-jaws, arms, upon said jaws for closing them, means-forcausing said gripping devices to circulate, and means forvibrating saidarms to close the jaws.

6. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of an endless chain, means for guiding said chain, a series ofgripping devices upon said chain, and means for causing said grippingdevices to grip the wire.

7. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of an endless chain, a track along which said chain may travel, aseries of gripping devices carried by said chain, each gripping devicehaving opposing jaws, and jaw-controlling arms mounted in position toengage said track and to be held thereby in jaw-closing position.

8. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, and an endless chain, wheels upon which said chain is mounted, apair of tracks extending between said wheels, jaws pivoted at intervalsupon said chain, and arms projecting laterally in opposite directionsfrom said jaws in position to engage said track and to be held injaw-closing position thereby.

9. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, and an endless chain, wheels upon which said chain is mounted, apair of tracks extending between said wheels, jaws pivoted at intervalsupon said chain, and arms projecting laterally in opposite directionsfrom said jaws in position to engage said track and to be held injaw-closing position thereby; said tracks being provided at theiradvance ends with means for operating said arms to close the jaws.

10. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of an endless chain, wheels upon which said chain is mounted, atrack between said wheels, members upon said chain formed for engagingsaid track to be guided thereby, jaws pivoted upon said guide members,and jaw-operating arms provided upon said jaws in position to ride uponsaid track.

11. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of an endless chain, wheels upon which said chain is mounted, atrack between said Wheels, members upon said chain formed for engagingsaid track to be guided thereby, jaws pivoted upon said guide members,jaw-operating arms provided upon said jaws, and rolls upon the ends ofsaid arms for riding upon said track.

12. In a wire-threading machine, the combination of a die and rotatingmeans, of a series of Wire-grippers capable of gripping the wire insequence and traveling therewith, means to connect the gripping means ofthe series to cause the idle grippers to travel into working positionand means to cause the grippers to grip upon reaching a predeterminedworking position and to open upon passing the same, whereby the wire asit is drawn along through the die will cause the grippers both tocirculate and also to close upon the Wire and release the same.

13. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of a system of connected self-opening grippingjaws adapted togrip the wire and to move therewith as it is drawn through the die; andmeans to close the jaws upon the wire.

M. In a wire-threading machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of a series of connected jaws adapted to close to grip the wireand to open to release themselves therefrom and to -move with the die,and a guide to cause the closing and permit the opening of said jaws.

15. In a machine for threading wire, the combination with a wire-grippermounted to permit longitudinal movement and to prevent rotation of thewire and when gripping the Wire to travel with it in its longitudinalmovement, of a die, means to rotate the die, and means controlled by thegripping means in its travel incident to the feed movement of the Wireto cut the threaded wire into predetermined lengths.

16. A machine for making screws from a coil of Wire, comprising a die,circulating means to grip the wire and adapted to be controlled in itscirculation by the movement of the wire, means to effect relativerotation between the die and the wire, and cutting-off mechanismactuated by the gripping means. 17. In a machine for making screws froma reel of wire, the combination of a die, circulating means for grippingthe wire, means for effecting relative rotation between the die and thewire, a cutting-off tool, and means for enabling said circulating meansto operate said cutting-off tool at predetermined intervals.

18. In a screw-making machine the combination of a die. means to gripthe stock end of the wire and capable of traveling with the wire in itsfeed movement, means to grip the threaded end of the wire, means forrelative rotation between the die and the second-named gripping means,and means controlled by the first-named gripping means in its movementincident to the feeding movement of the wire ,to cut the threaded wireinto predetermined lengths.

19. In a screw-making machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of an endless chain of grippers for holding the Wire, achain-guiding wheel, adjustable tappets revoluble with said wheel, acutting-off tool, and means for enabling said tappets to control saidcutting-oii tool.

20. In a screw-making machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of an endless chain, a Wheel for guiding said chain, a series ofgripping devices upon said chain, means for causing said grippingdevices to grip the wire, a second wheel rigid with said guiding-wheel,tappets adjustable on said second wheel, and a cutting-off toolintermittently operable by said tappets.

21. In a machine for making screws from a reel of wire, the combinationwith a die and rotating means, of a circulating system of self-openingand self-closing grippingjaws movable by the wire as it is drawn throughthe die, a cutting-off tool, and means for enabling said system tooperate said tool intermittently.

22. In a screw-making machine, the combination with a die and rotatingmeans, of a system of self-closing and self-opening jaws movable by theWire as it is drawn through the die, and means for cutting the threadedWire into predetermined lengths; said cutting means including a set ofadjustable tappets operable by said jaws, a cutting-off tool, and adevice intermittently operable by said tappets and controlling saidcutting-off tool.

23. A machine for making screws comprising wire-gripping means movableby the Wire, a die, means for rotating the die, a rotatable andreciprocatable cutting-off tool, means to rotate the cutting-off tool,means controlled by the movement of the wire-gripping means toreciprocate the cutting-ofl? tool intermittently, and means to adjustthe timing of the cutting-off tool.

24:. In a screw-making machine, the combination of a circulatingWire-gripping means, including a Wheel, a die, die-rotating means, acutting-off tool, a set of adjustable tappets mounted to rotate Withsaid Wheel, a trippingrod operable by said tappets and extending to saidcutting-off too], said cutting-01f tool being controllable by said rod,and a spring for returning said rod to normal position.

25. In a screw-making machine, the combination With circulatingWire-gripping means, including a Wheel; a die; die-rotating means; acutting-off tool; a tappet mounted to rotate With said Wheel: and a rodoperable by said tappet and extending to said cutting-off tool, thelatter being controllable by said rod.

26. A screw-making machine comprising means to grip the Wire and traveltherewith in its feed movement, a die, means to rotate the die, acutting-off tool, means to rotate the cutting-off tool, means actuatedby the movement of the gripping means to move the cutting-off toollongitudinally With the Wire during the cutting-offoperation and toeffect such operation, and means to return the cutting-off tool tonormal position.

27. A screw-making machine comprising means for threading and therebyfeeding the Wire, a rotatable cutting-ofl? tool adapted to be effectiveupon reciprocation transversely to its axis of rotation and meansconstructed to be operated by the feed movement of the Wire to cause thecutting-off tool to reciprocate to cut oii and to advance With the Wireduring the cutting-off operation.

28. A screw-making machine comprising Wire-gripping means, a die, meansto rotate the die, a cutting-off tool, means to rotate the cutting-offtool and means controlled by the gripping means to intermittentlyactuate the cutting-oil" tool, and to advance said cuttingoli tool Withthe Wire during the cutting-off operation.

29. A screw-making machine comprising means for gripping, threading, andfeeding the Wire, a series of adjustable tappets connected to saidgripping means, a cutting-01f tool, means for rotating said cutting-01ftool, and means operable by said tappets for controlling the operationof said cutting-off tool.

30. A screw-making machine comprising means for gripping, threading, andfeeding the Wire, a series of adjustable tappets connected to saidgripping means, a cutting-off tool, means for rotating said cutting-offtool, and means operable by said tappets for both controlling theoperationof said cutting-01f tool and causing the same to advance withthe Wire during the cutting-off operation.

31. The combination of a spindle, a lever pivoted upon said spindle, acam splined upon said spindle, a cutting-off tool also splined upon saidspindle, and means for moving said cam and cutting-off tool along saidspindle; said cam being mounted for engagement With said lever, and thelatter being mounted to operate said cutting-off tool.

32. The combination of a spindle, a cam splined upon said spindle, acutting-off tool also splined upon said spindle, a lever to ac-' tuatethe cutting-off tool and pivoted upon said spindle, and means for movingsaid cam and cutting-off tool along said spindle; said cam being mountedto engage said lever, and the latter being mounted to operate saidoutting-off tool; and a spring for returning said cutting-01f tool todormant position.

33. In a screw-making machine the combination of Wire threading andfeeding mechanism, a cutting-off tool, a holder for said tool, a leverto actuate said tool, means controlled by the feed movement of the Wireto move said holder longitudinally of the Wire and during such movementto actuate said lever.

34. In a screw-making machine, the combination of Wire-threadingmechanism capable of feeding the Wire, a cutting-off tool for theproduct, a holder for said tool, means controlled by the Wire as it isfed to move said holder longitudinally with the Wire, a lever operableby said holder during such movement thereof to operate said tool, and aspring to return said tool to normal position.

35. In a screw-making machine, the combination of a Wire gripping,threading, and feed-' ing mechanism, a series of tappets operable bysaid mechanism, a cutting-off tool, aholder for said tool, means forrotating said holder, means operable by said tappets for moving saidholder longitudinally With the Wire, and means operable by said holderduring such movement thereof for operating said tool.

36. In a screw-making machine, a cuttingofl' tool, a holder for saidtool, means for r0- tating such holder, a set of tappets controlled bythe feed, means operable by said tappets to move said holderlongitudinally with the Wire, means operable by said holder during suchmovement thereof to actuate said tool, a spring to return suchholder-moving means to dormant position, and a spring to return saidtool to dormant position. 37. In a Wire-threadingmachine, thecombination of a die, means to operate the die, Wiregripping means atthe side of the die from Which the Wire is fed, a wire-gripper at theside of the die at Which the threaded Wire is delivered, and anoperating-lever to control the latter Wire-gripper, said lever having anarm to rest upon the Wire and to sustain said gripper againstgripper-operating movement While the Wireis taut.

38. In a Wire-threading machine the combination of a threading die, Wiregripping means in the rear of the die and means to actuate such reargripper, such actuating means ,means in advance of the die,Wire-gripping including a member adapted to engage the l 39. In ascrew-making machine, the combi' I nation ot a die; rotating means;wire-gr1pp1ng means in advance of the die; a Wire-gripper in rear of thedie; and means for operating said rear gripper; said operating meansincluding a member mounted to ride upon the Wire and control saidgripping means whereby it Will be sustained against gripper-operatingmovement, and upon the Wire becoming slack to permit said gripping meansto become active.

40. In a screw-making machine, the combination of a threading-die,Wire-gripping means, and means controlled by said gripping means forcutting the threaded wire into predetermined lengths, and embodying acut-oil, a lever to actuate the same, a tappet controlled by theWire-gripping means, and a connection therebetwe en.

41. In a threadingmachine,the combination with a die to cut out a threadand feed the stock, of means to rotate the die, and a detachable dividedfeeding-nut mounted to rotate With said die to engage the \vireandcooperate therewith and feed the stock.

42. In a threading-machine the combination With a die to cut a threadand feed the stock, of a rotary spindle Whereon the die is mounted, aholder, means to rotate the same from said spindle, a feeding-nutconsisting of de tachable sections mounted in said holder to engage thestock and adapted to cooperate with the die in its feed, and means toadjust said sections.

43. In a screw-making machine the combination With a die adapted to feedthe stock and screw-thread the same, of means to rotate the die; anauxiliary wire-feeding means; Wire-gripping means in advance of the dieand controlled by the Wire as it is fed along by said die and auxiliaryfeeding means; cutting-off means; means controlled by the Wiregrippingmeans to actuate said cutting-off means, and comprising a lever and arod to actuate the same, and a tappet controlled by the Wire-grippingmeans.

44. hi ascrew-making machine in combination with a die and rotatingmeans, the die being organized to cut the Wire and feed the stock, of anauxiliary Wire-feeding means; Wire-gripping means in advance of the die;

and Wire-gripping means ,the rear of the die, said Wire-gripping meansinadvance of the die comprising a series of grippers, means to carry thegrippers and permit the same to travel with the Wire when gripped uponit, and means to open and ,close the grippers upon the Wireautomatically as it is fed along.

45. In a screw-makingmachine, the combination of threading-dies; meansto rotate the dies to render the same operative and to feed the wire,means to grip the Wire to holdthe same against rotation and to travelwith the Wire, auxiliary means to feed the Wire controlled by thedie-rotating means, afeuttingo'lf tool, and means operable by the wirein its feed movement to control said cutting-off tool.

46. In a screw-making machine the combination with a die androtatingmeans therefor, of main and auxiliary wire-feeding meansactuated by said die-rotating means; wire-gripping means controlled .byand movable with the wire as it is fed by said dies and said auxiliaryfeed device; and cut-off means controlled by the wire-gripping means inits movement With the Wire.

47. A screw making machine comprising a threading-die; Wire-grippingmeansto travel with the vire; means to effect a relative rotationbetween the die and thegripping means;

means actuated by the travel of the gripping means to cut the threadedWire into predetermined lengths; means to support said cutting means;and means to rotate the same.

48. In a threadcutting,maehine, the combination With a feeding devicecomprising a holder, of detachable nut-sections mounted in said holderto engage the threaded stock; a shoulder upon each of said sections; andmeans to adjust said sections comprising setscrews threaded into theholder and engaging the said shoulders. i i

49. In a cuttingoif tool for a Wire-threading machine, the combinationwith a rotatable holder, of a reci procatable cutting-ofi' tool carriedthereby; a lever to reciprocate the same having a cam upon its end;a'member reeiprocatable adjacent thereto; a cam to engage the cam onsaid lever and pivoted to the reciprocatable member and adapted toactuate the lever upon one excursion and to form a by-pass therewithupon the return excursion.

AUGUSTUS M. STILLMAN.

Witnesses:

A. M. GY EsEN, C. G. FLATHER.

